ysl case

The YSL Case: The SOURCE’s Legal Breakdown of Charges & Terms

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Young Thug Makes First Court Appearance in Months

It has been months since Atlanta native Young Thug and members of his Young Stoner Life Records, also known as Young Slime Life, were arrested and charged in part of a RICO case in Georgia. Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, was the critical name of District Attorney Fani Willis’ 56-count indictment on the chart-topping rap star along with fellow star Gunna and other label signees Lil Duk, Yak Gotti, and more.

Thug is facing numerous charges; some were added to his name as recently as Dec. 2022. Meanwhile, at least eight of his co-defendants have pleaded out. One of which, an alleged co-founder of the gang, has reportedly agreed to testify without the use of the fifth amendment.

With this new ever-flowing, Hip-Hop is being introduced to new legal terms, some familiar, some never heard. As the case gets underway, The SOURCE offers a legal breakdown of charges and terms to help you understand what has already occurred and prep you for what may be on the way.

Jury Selection:   Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation. 

Voir Dire:  the process used by the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. During voir dire, the jury panel is questioned by the judge and by both parties’ lawyers. The questions are intended to help the lawyers determine whether potential jurors are eligible to serve, or may have conflicts of interest or existing bias against a particular party. Voir dire is an important factor in prevailing at trial, since a single biased juror can cause a mistrial regardless of what the actual evidence shows.

Indictment:  a formal written accusation of crime affirmed by a grand jury and presented by it to a court for trial of the accused.

Grand Jury:  Selected from a cross section of the community and formed for the purpose of issuing indictments based on criminal charges.  The grand jury proceedings are secret and the targets of the criminal charges and their attorneys are not allowed to attend.  The prosecution presents evidence to the panel arguing that an indictment must be issued, and the panel of 16-23 jurors votes on it, with 12 jurors required to indict.  Unlike a criminal trial, in which the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” to issue an indictment the burden of proof is a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning that the jurors must find that it is “more likely than not” that there is a sufficient basis to issue the indictment.

Plea Deal:    A plea deal is a negotiated resolution of a criminal case between the person accused of a crime and the prosecution. Typically the government will offer a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation, for example, providing testimony helpful to the prosecution of other defendants.  Plea deals are also called plea bargains, plea agreements, or charge bargaining. Criminal laws allow these arrangements if both sides and the judge agree on the deal. When the Government has a strong case, the Government may offer the defendant a plea deal to avoid trial and perhaps reduce his exposure to a lengthier sentence.

Immunity:   Typically, a prosecutor offers immunity to someone who has committed a minor crime because they believe that it will help them catch or convict someone who has committed a major crime.  By receiving immunity, that person may give testimony without having to worry that they are incriminating themselves.

Pleading the Fifth:  a witness who would otherwise be compelled to make a self-incriminating statement (i.e., in testimony under oath) may invoke the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from being forced to self-incriminate themselves.  In a criminal case, the witness’s silence cannot be used against him or her to argue or imply guilt.   Pleading the Fifth in front of a jury may be risky because it can still damage the credibility of the witness.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt:  the standard of proof the prosecution must meet in a criminal case. The standard of proof is the level of certainty each juror must have before determining that a defendant is guilty of a crime. “Beyond a reasonable doubt” is a much higher standard than “more likely than not.” It is not enough for a juror to believe that the defendant committed the crime – rather, the juror must be certain, based on the evidence presented, that the defendant is guilty.

Stand Your Ground:  provisions under self-defense laws that justify the use of deadly force under imminent threat of harm regardless of whether a safe retreat is possible. Imminent means happening very soon, not later in time. 

Self Defense: the use of reasonable force to protect oneself or members of the family from bodily harm from the attack of an aggressor, if the defender has reason to believe he/she/they is/are in danger.

Breakdown of Charges in the YSL Case:

  • RICO: RICO stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. A violation of RICO occurs when a person, in connection with an enterprise, engages in a pattern of racketeering activity. Racketeering activity includes: Arson, Bribery, Counterfeiting, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Embezzlement, Extortion, Gambling, Homicide, Kidnapping, Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, Robbery, Wire Fraud, and Witness Tampering.
  • Felony: a crime, typically one involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
  • Conspiracy: an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, along with an intent to achieve the agreement’s goal.
  • Murder: 4 categories: (1) intentional murder; (2) a killing that resulted from the intent to do serious bodily injury; (3) a killing that resulted from a depraved heart or extreme recklessness; and (4) murder committed 
  • Armed robbery: aggravated form of theft that involves the use of a lethal weapon to perpetrate violence or the threat of violence 
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: For any assault to be considered assault with a deadly weapon, a deadly weapon must be used to carry out the assault. A deadly weapon is defined as a weapon that is readily able to cause death or a serious physical injury.
  • Possession of a firearm: the unlawful possession of a weapon by an individual.
  • Theft: the taking of another person’s personal property with the intent of depriving that person of the use of their property
  • Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA):  a VGSCA crime refers to such charges as: Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Cocaine; Possession of Methamphetamine. A VGCSA can carry a potential penalty of 2 to 15 years in prison for a first offense and 5 to 30 years in prison for a second and subsequent offense.

The post The YSL Case: The SOURCE’s Legal Breakdown of Charges & Terms appeared first on The Source.

YSL’s Tick Takes Plea Deal, Claims Young Thug Was Mad He Didn’t Beat Or Shoot Victim

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YSL’s Tick reportedly made some damning accusations towards crew frontman Young Thug during a hearing on Thursday (December 29th). He accepted a plea deal in favor of facing trial, which makes him the eighth YSL affiliate to do so. While in court, Tick accepted the plea deal and offered details about Thugger’s attitude towards other YSL members. According to Tick, the “Digits” MC chastised his crew in a group chat for not beating or shooting a victim.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been processed using digital filters.) Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Tick, real name Trontavious Stephens, claimed that YSL crewmates sold drugs at two Atlanta gas stations. Also, he provided an idea of what Young Thug’s jabs looked like.

“Y’all ain’t beat him up or shot him yet?” he allegedly told YSL associates in the group chat. “Y’all getting soft.”

Moreover, Stephens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act in Georgia. The court sentenced him to ten years, with two of commuted time served and eight of probation. The 29-year-old joined Gunna, Slimelife Shawty, Lil Duke, and Thugger’s brother Unfoonk as members who took a plea deal.

Also, Tick agreed to testify during trial as part of his negotiation, as did co-defendant Antonio Sledge. Moreover, Young Thug’s co-defendants Derontae Bebee and Tenquarius Mender rejected offers for a plea deal. Gunna’s plea deal caused a lot of conversation around its implication and whether he snitched. Still, many were happy to see the “pushin p” rapper finally home. As discussions ran rampant, he took to Instagram to deny said claims.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful,” he wrote, “I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Furthermore, as we look to the future, the court set jury selection for Young Thug’s RICO case to commence on January 4th. Meanwhile, his trial will expectedly begin on January 9th.

What do you think of Tick’s claims and his decision to take a plea deal? How do you think this will affect the developing case? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on the fate of YSL and Young Thug.

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YFN Lucci’s Attorney Denies Rumors That He’ll Testify in YSL RICO Case

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YFN Lucci is at the centre of the latest developments in YSL’s RICO case. Lucci and Thugger have a history of involving themselves in a back-and-forth beef over the years.

Lucci’s mother was reportedly shot at some time during their beef. Prosecutors reportedly believe that the So Much Fun rapper subsequently bragged about being responsible in his lyrics.

Young Thug and Gunna attend Onyx Monday Nights hosted by Young Thug at Onyx Nightclub on May 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The song in question is his 2021 collab with the late Juice WRLD, “Bad Boy.” “I shot at his mommy, now he no longer mention me,” Thug raps in the track.

On Thursday (December 29), rumors that Lucci is on the witness list within YSL’s case began to circulate on social media. This stems from a video taken in court. Somebody asks if YFN Lucci is in the indictment, to which someone else responds, “he’s a witness. Isn’t he on the witness list also?” Another person replies, “right.”

However, the “Everyday We Lit” rapper’s attorney, Drew Findling is speaking out against these claims.

“Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci], has never been interviewed or subpoenaed by law-enforcement, the Fulton County District Attorney‘s office or any of the party’s regarding the YSL case. Any party can announce for example that Abraham Lincoln is on their witness list, but those words alone are meaningless. So, to be 100% clear, Rayshawn Bennett [Lucci] will not be a witness in the YSL case. His focus, as it should be, is on his pending Fulton County case,” Findling says in a statement to XXL.

Earlier last year, the world was witness to Lucci surrendering himself to authorities on murder and gang charges. Furthermore, the Atlanta native claims he was the victim of a stabbing while behind bars in March. Despite requests to see a release, he remains in prison. As does Young Thug, who awaits his trial after several fellow YSL members have taken plea deals. Jury selection will reportedly begin on January 5, 2023.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned in to HNHH for the latest updates in the trial and all other pop culture news.

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YSL RICO Update: Slug Takes Plea Deal, Two Others Decline

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As Young Thug remains behind bars, updates on the future of other YSL members are revealing themselves.

Reports on Thursday (December 29) indicate that three more members were offered plea deals. However, only one of them is reportedly deciding to take it.

Gunna and Young Thug attend 2021 Revolt Summit at 787 Windsor on November 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

“Trontavious Stephens aka Tick aka Slug takes plea deal in #YoungThug case. He faced 5-20 yrs on the racketeering count. (only count charged),” reports Cathy Russon, the Executive Producer at Law&Crime Network.

“He received 10 years, with 2 yrs time served & remaining 8 yrs on probation. He will be released,” she continues afterward. Stephens becomes the eighth YSL member to take a plea deal.

Stephens also agrees to testify truthfully at the trial. Additionally, he is unable to assert the fifth amendment.

Furthermore, he admits that he does indeed go by Tick as one of his nicknames. In Thugger’s song “You,” the 31-year-old raps, “She gettin’ robbed my Tick.” He acknowledges this as a fact as well.

Although Stephens is taking the plea deal, there are two other YSL members who declined to do so earlier today.

DJ Akademiks has consistently been reporting on the case through his social media accounts and took to his Instagram to provide the update.

“At least thug can say 2 of his members denied getting out of jail instantly and is taking it to trial wit him. The judge warned the defendants that taking the plea would make them free immediately but taking it to trial he would sentence them to the max if they lost the case. Tenquarius is facing 50 years in prison if convicted at trial,” the streamer says in the caption along with the news.

Ever since Gunna became the first person to accept a plea deal in the case, there has been speculation online about whether or not there is snitching involved when taking the deal. Although, Gunna’s attorney, Steve Sadow has consistently stated that there is no truth behind these claims.

“Gunna did not snitch to get out of jail. He has said nothing and is not cooperating. His plea statement cannot be used in court against any other defendant. So please stop spreading lies!!!” he writes in a statement.

Regardless, there continues to be discourse online about what these pleas will mean for Young Thug.

What are your thoughts on the YSL members taking plea deals in order to get released? Comment your thoughts down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on the trial.

Young Thug Co-Defendant Obama Is The 6th To Cop A Plea

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The prosecutors on the YSL case are working aggressively to convict Young Thug on RICO charges. Over the past week, we’ve seen many of the defendants in the case cop plea deals, notably Gunna and Unfoonk.

A sixth defendant in the case also copped a plea this week. Antonio Sumlin, also known as Obama, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO act, two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, and participation in criminal street gang activity. As part of his deal, Obama will have to serve 15 years of probation.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Gunna and Young Thug perform at halftime during the Boston Celtics v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Prosecutors and defense also grilled the state’s witness, DeKalb County jail investigator Quinton Hall, an expert on gangs. Though prosecutors said that Hall “knows what he’s talking about,” defense attorney Suri Chadha Jimenez, representing co-defendant Cordaris Dorsey, argued that he “doesn’t meet the qualifications.” Ultimately, the judge sided with Jimenez.

“At this point, I’m not going to qualify him as an expert,” explained Judge Ural Glanville. “I’ll revisit that should the state repackage his particular or he testifies more succinctly.”

Following Sumlin’s deal, there are now 23 defendants standing in the case.

Gunna became the first member of YSL to cop a plea. Last week, he issued a statement about taking an Alford Plea, vehemently denying that he turned on Young Thug.

“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way,” Gunna said in a statement following his release from jail last week.

We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding the YSL and Young Thug.

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